The risk of Brits contracting rabies has increased with a change in rules for
dogs entering the country, say experts.

Under the old system, dogs entering the UK had to be microchipped, blood tested and vaccinated against rabies, with a quarantine period of six months.

But changes to bring the country’s Pet Travel Scheme in line with the rest of Europe mean animals from the EU, US and Australia no longer need a blood test and are only held for 21 days following their vaccination.

However, the incubation period for rabies can go beyond three weeks, meaning a dog infected with the disease could be allowed to enter the country, the BBC reported.

“For something as important as rabies you really want to know that the vaccine has worked,” Professor Sheila Crispin, former president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, told a 5 Live investigation.

The number of dogs entering the country from abroad has increased by 62 per cent – from 85,774 in 2011 to 139,216 in 2013 – since the changes were introduced at the start of last year.